Emmy Hayes Condon
Your daily guide to feeling, looking, and living your best.
The Benefits of Sound Baths — And Why You Should Consider Attending One
Have you ever tried a sound bath? If not, you're seriously missing out, and I'm about to tell you exactly why you need to put one on your calendar ASAP.
A sound bath is a full-body meditative experience where you simply lie down on a cozy mat while a practitioner plays resonant instruments — think Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, and crystal chimes — and let the waves of sound wash over you. No meditation experience required. No apps to download. Just you, a blanket, and pure sonic bliss.
And the benefits? They're genuinely impressive. Research has linked sound baths to lower cortisol levels (that's your main stress hormone) and improved heart rate variability, which is basically your body's ability to bounce back from stress. Even better? In one study, participants reported feeling significantly less tension, anger, fatigue, and depression after just a single sound bath session.
Beyond the mood lift, sound baths may help shift your brain from active beta waves into slower, calmer alpha and theta states, the same ones linked to deep meditation. Basically, your brain gets to take a real vacation.s
First-timers may actually have an edge, too. Research suggests that people who are brand new to sound baths experience even greater tension reduction than regulars. So there's genuinely no better time than right now to try it.
Ask Clara:
"What are some of the best ways to relax?"
The Best Biologique Recherche Dupes That Actually Work — For a Fraction of the Price
Prestige skincare can feel like falling into a very expensive, very beautiful black hole. And no brand exemplifies that more than Biologique Recherche, the French skincare institution that's been quietly running the game since the 1970s, when a biologist named Yvan Allouche started mixing up what can only be described as avant-garde formulas. What started as concoctions shared among friends eventually became the stuff of legend, and today, BR products are the unofficial currency of high-end spas and facialists everywhere.
The crown jewel? The iconic Lotion P50 — an exfoliating toner beloved by beauty editors, models, and celebrities alike for its ability to revive dull skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and smooth uneven texture using a potent mix of AHAs, BHAs, and botanical extracts. And then there's the Crème Dermopurifiante, a lightweight, rebalancing face cream that calms inflammation, regulates sebum, and supports a healthy barrier without ever feeling heavy.
Here's the thing, though — we're not here to gatekeep. Because you can absolutely get similar results without the splurge. Below, we're breaking down the best alternatives for the P50, the Crème Dermopurifiante, and your general hydration and barrier-support needs — so you can build a whole BR-inspired routine that won’t break your beauty budget.
Products Similar to Biologique Recherche P50 Lotion
Okay, let's start with the big one. The P50 is essentially a multi-acid toning lotion that exfoliates, rebalances your skin's pH, and preps your complexion to actually absorb everything you layer on afterward.
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner (~$22): This K-beauty gem deserves a permanent spot in the conversation. It uses willow bark water and apple fruit water to reduce breakouts and hyperpigmentation, plus panthenol to draw moisture into the skin — so you're getting exfoliation and hydration at the same time.
The INKEY List PHA Toner (~$13): This one uses gluconolactone (a gentle PHA), citric acid, niacinamide, and aloe vera leaf juice to brighten and smooth without the intensity of traditional AHAs. If your skin is reactive or you're brand new to acids, start here.
Products Similar to Biologique Recherche Crème Dermopurifiante
The Crème Dermopurifiante is BR's hero moisturizer for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer (~$33): This is the workhorse of affordable purifying moisturizers. It's formulated with sebulyse technology and perlite to visibly reduce shine and tighten the look of pores — without ever drying out your skin.
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum(~$12): If niacinamide is the star ingredient you're after (and it should be — it's incredible for sebum regulation, pore appearance, and inflammation), this simple, clean serum delivers it in a fuss-free, affordable package.
Products Similar to Biologique Recherche General Hydration/Barrier Support
Whether you're using acids, retinol, or just living in a world that constantly stresses your skin, barrier support isn't optional — it's the foundation for everything else.
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream (~$34): If your barrier is truly compromised — we're talking raw, irritated, post-peel, post-retinol chaos — this is your best friend. It's rich in sucralfate and copper-zinc sulfate to calm irritation and aid healing.
Personal Day Soft Slip Priming Milk (~$32): A new favorite that features Vitamin B5, panthenol, and a peptide blend, making skin feel nourished almost instantly. It's rich without being suffocating, and the price point is a gift.
How To Plan the Best Girls Trip With Grown-Up Spring Break Vibes
You don't have to be in college to deserve a trip that's purely about fun, freedom, and your favorite people. A grown-up girls' trip hits different, though. Think: actual sleep, good wine, and zero drama over who's borrowing whose clothes. Here's how to make it happen.
Start with the vibe, not the destination. Before you open a single browser tab, get everyone on a group chat and ask one question: Are we relaxing or are we going? Beach retreat energy is very different from city-hopping chaos, and knowing this early saves so much back-and-forth.
Pick your planning queen. Every group has one — the friend who lives for a color-coded itinerary. Let her shine. Delegate the big stuff, like accommodations and flights, to her, and spread out smaller tasks like restaurant reservations and activity bookings among the group. Shared ownership = fewer complaints later.
Build in unstructured time. This is the grown-up part. Resist the urge to schedule every hour. Some of the best memories come from a spontaneous afternoon walk or a two-hour lunch that turns into happy hour.
Set a real budget upfront. Money talk isn't awkward — it's respectful. A quick "hey, what's everyone comfortable spending?" conversation protects friendships and keeps the trip stress-free.
Most importantly? Just go. You've earned this.
Bloomscrolling Is Greater Than Doomscrolling
We're all a little exhausted by social media right now. Between the AI takeover headlines, relentless news cycles, and the lingering emotional hangover of the last few years, there's a growing collective hunger to reconnect with real life, real people, and real moments. So what if instead of doom-scrolling, we started bloom-scrolling?
The idea is simple: curate what you consume so that your screen time actually nourishes you rather than depletes you. A recent podcast (although about beauty trends!) touched on something that really stuck with me — humans simply weren't built to absorb this much devastating news, alone, through a tiny glowing rectangle, every single day. And yet, here we are.
So I've been making some small but meaningful changes, and honestly? They've helped.
I've rediscovered Pinterest as a little sanctuary of visual inspiration — art, ideas, beauty — even as AI-generated content slowly creeps in. I've also deleted several apps from my phone, which sounds dramatic but isn't. Just adding one extra step — having to open Instagram on my laptop instead — creates enough of a pause to make me ask: do I actually want to do this right now? Usually, the answer is no. Also, leaning into more analogue options: snail mail newsletters! or zines created by friends!
And when I do want to read newsier stuff? I keep one trusted news app and a carefully curated trend-focused Substack feed that I genuinely look forward to.
Small edits. Real blooms. I hope you'll join me. ?
Ask Clara:
"How do I limit my screentime?"
What's the Deal with Creatine — And Should You Be Taking It?
Okay, let's talk about the supplement that's so hot right now: creatine. You've probably seen it popping up in wellness aisles and Youtube ads, but is it actually worth the hype? Spoiler: yes, and especially for women.
Note: Before starting any new supplement, consult with your healthcare provider.
Here's the quick science: creatine is a naturally occurring compound your body makes from amino acids and also gets from food (hi, red meat and fish). It's stored in your muscles and helps your body produce ATP — basically your cells' energy currency. The problem? Women have 70–80% lower endogenous creatine stores compared to men, which means we're often running on a deficit without even knowing it.
The benefits go way beyond the gym. Sure, creatine may improve high-intensity exercise performance, but research also shows it can support mood, cognitive function, and even bone health, particularly when combined with resistance training. And for anyone in perimenopause or beyond, as estrogen declines, creatine declines too, which is associated with muscle and bone mass loss, making supplementation especially worth considering.
Creatine isn't just a "gym bro" supplement anymore. With more research, the benefits are real, and your body was literally made to use it.
Ask Clara:
"What are some of the benefits of creatine?"
The 'Skinification' of Oral Care Is Here
When's the last time you gave your oral care routine the same energy as your skincare shelf? Because if you're still just grabbing whatever toothpaste is on sale and calling it a day, we need to have a little chat.
The "skinification" of oral care is officially here, and honestly? It makes total sense. The landscape of oral care is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond hygiene to become an integral part of consumers' well-being routines, and brands are fully keeping up. Think serums with doe-foot applicators, peptide-infused toothpastes, and prebiotic mouthwashes. Just like there are serums, masks, and day/night creams for skin, oral care has taken a leaf out of the skincare book by introducing products with functions we're so used to using on our faces, including day toothpaste with mint and lemon to freshen breath, and night formulas with soothing lavender and chamomile.
And the numbers back it up. The global oral care market is projected to reach an estimated $54.7 billion in 2025 — that's not a niche trend, that's a full-on movement.
But it goes deeper than aesthetics. Good oral hygiene supports everything from cardiovascular health to cognitive function, a simple, daily act with long-term impact. Your mouth really is the gateway to your whole body.
Just as skincare made its way into makeup routines, oral care is now entering the broader conversation about self-care and aesthetics. So go ahead — build that multi-step mouth routine. Your smile deserves the same love as your skin.
Ask Clara:
"How do I take better care of my teeth?"
The 'Mom Hobby' Trend Explained: How Women Are Reclaiming Their Free Time (and Loving Every Minute)
Moms are finally claiming their joy? From mahjong tables to pottery wheels to tennis courts, a full-on "mom hobby" renaissance is underway — and it's giving us all the feels.
Let's start with mahjong, because it's basically everywhere right now. Busy women are increasingly ditching pickleball courts and exhausting happy hours in favor of a winning hand — and we love that for them. The National Mah Jongg League now boasts over 350,000 members proof that this isn't just a passing phase. A great way to start doing something that is just for you — something with friends that has nothing to do with family or work, and options to not just go out for drinks. Sounds pretty good.
But the hobby wave doesn't stop at tiles. Pottery clubs, tennis lessons, needlepoint circles, and book clubs are all part of this beautiful reclamation of self. And science backs it up, with experts noting that hobbies can reduce symptoms of anxiety, boredom, and depression, while creating something new can powerfully boost self-esteem.
There's also a deeper truth here. Research shows that women across almost every group have less free time than men to socialize, relax, and pursue hobbies, which makes this movement feel less like a trend and more like a revolution.
So, if you've been eyeing that pottery class or that mahjong set? Consider this your sign. You deserve to play, too.
Why Collagen Is the Skincare Ingredient Everyone's Adding to Their Routine Right Now (And You Should Too)
If skincare aisles had a main character right now, she’d absolutely be collagen. You’ve probably seen it everywhere lately: in serums, creams, powders, gummies, and basically every beauty conversation happening on your feed. But beyond the hype, collagen actually does play a starring role in how our skin looks and feels.
Collagen is the protein that gives skin its bounce, firmness, and smooth texture — think of it as the scaffolding that keeps everything lifted and supported. The catch? Our natural collagen production starts slowing down in our mid-20s (rude, honestly), thanks to aging, stress, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors. That’s why skincare has shifted from quick fixes toward collagen support: protecting what we have and encouraging our skin to make more of it over time.
Here’s the important part, most topical collagen molecules are too large to fully penetrate the skin, so the real magic comes from ingredients that stimulate collagen production or prevent its breakdown, like retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, and sunscreen (yes, SPF is still the ultimate anti-aging product). Think of collagen products less as replacements and more as teammates helping your skin function at its best.
What I love about this trend is that it moves skincare away from perfection and toward longevity with a focus on stronger skin barriers, better hydration, and that healthy, rested glow we’re all chasing.
If you’re collagen-curious or looking to upgrade your routine, here are a few standout products worth adding to your shelf:
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Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: The OG ingestible collagen that started it all. Unflavored, easy to mix into your morning coffee, and sourced from grass-fed bovine. A crowd favorite for a reason.
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SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum: Vitamin C is one of the best collagen-stimulating ingredients out there, and this dermatologist-beloved serum is the gold standard. Yes, it's an investment. Yes, it's worth it.
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RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Serum: Retinol is another proven collagen booster, and this affordable drugstore pick delivers real results without the intimidating price tag.
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Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Contour Lift Face Cream: Peptides signal your skin to produce more collagen naturally. This one is packed with them and won't break the bank.
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MOON JUICE SuperYou Stress & Beauty Collagen Booster: For those who want to tackle collagen loss from the inside and outside, this supplement combines hydrolyzed collagen with adaptogens to support your skin and your nervous system. Multitasking queen behavior.
Are Protein Bars Just Candy in Disguise?
some protein bars taste suspiciously like dessert. Chocolate coating, caramel drizzle, cookie-dough centers — it’s fair to wonder whether they’re actually health food or just candy wearing activewear.
The truth? It depends on the bar.
Nutrition experts say protein bars live on a wide spectrum. Some are genuinely balanced snacksthat provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats — helpful when you’re traveling, rushing between meetings, or need post-workout fuel. Others, however, are closer to ultra-processed treats, loaded with added sugars, syrups, and saturated fats. In fact, health experts note that certain protein bars contain sugar levels comparable to candy bars, creating what researchers call a “health halo” effect that makes them seem healthier than they are.
And sometimes added sugars show up in many unexpected packaged foods, not just desserts, and excess intake can contribute unnecessary calories and blood-sugar spikes over time. That’s why label reading matters more than marketing claims. Dietitians generally recommend choosing bars with around 10–15 grams of protein, minimal added sugar, recognizable ingredients, and some fiber for satiety.
Another thing to watch: sugar alcohols. While they reduce calories compared to sugar, they can cause digestive discomfort for some people, which explains why certain bars leave you feeling bloated instead of energized.
So are protein bars candy? Sometimes — but not always. Think of them less as a daily staple and more as a convenience tool. A good protein bar can absolutely support your nutrition goals; a not-so-great one is basically a snack with better PR.
Your move: flip the wrapper over before you toss it in your cart.
The Rise of the Solid Fragrance (and Why You Should Consider One)
If you’ve noticed tiny perfume compacts popping up everywhere lately — in handbags, on TikTok, and quietly living in beauty editors’ pockets — you’re not imagining things. Solid fragrances are officially having a moment, and honestly, it makes a lot of sense.
Unlike traditional spray perfumes, solid fragrances are balm-like scents made from waxes and oils instead of alcohol and water. You swipe them onto pulse points (think wrists, neck, behind the ears), where body heat slowly releases the fragrance throughout the day. Because the formula adheres closely to skin, the scent tends to feel softer and more intimate — more “lean in closer” than “announcement fragrance.”
Part of their rise stems from lifestyle shifts. Solid perfumes are portable, spill-proof, and TSA-friendly, making them ideal for busy, on-the-go routines. Many formulas also skip alcohol, which can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, and instead include nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil or squalane that double as subtle skin care.
They’re also riding the wave of sustainability and personalization trends. Solid fragrances often use less packaging and are increasingly refillable, appealing to shoppers looking for lower-waste beauty options. And according to fragrance trend data, interest in solid perfumes surged dramatically in 2025 as consumers embraced layering scents and more customizable fragrance wardrobes.
The biggest perk? Control. You can reapply easily, layer scents, or keep your fragrance experience personal rather than overpowering. Think of solid perfume less as a replacement for your signature scent — and more as its chic, low-maintenance sidekick.